Parking Attendant Suspended For Going To The Toilet

The allegation against him is that he went into a hamburger shop to relieve himself but failed to write down the details of the visit in his pocketbook.

Bert Schouwenburg, GMB Organiser said, "I have to deal with outbreaks of bullying, harassment, victimization, anti-union action and general bad employment practices at APCOA almost every week but this takes the biscuit. It is no wonder that APCOA employees only last for an average of 6 months and that, in Kensington & Chelsea, there has been a 600% turnover of staff. When the parking contract comes up for renewal, the council should give APCOA's application the treatment it deserves by flushing it down the pan."  

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Contact: Bert Schouwenburg, GMB Organiser on 07974 251764 or Rose Conroy, GMB Press Officer on 07974 251823.

Notes to Editors:The parking control contract was out sourced by Kensington & Chelsea Council in 2000. APCOA instruct their traffic wardens to issue at least 10 penalty charge notices (PCNs) per 7 hour shift, regardless of how many vehicles they find unlawfully parked, or face disciplinary action that could lead to dismissal. Therefore, each attendant must issue 50 tickets over a five day week, equating to potential revenue of £5,000. (Each PCN draws a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days) Each attendant, has to bring in £240,000 of PCNs per year (48 weeks). There are some 150 attendants, excluding those involved in towing and clamping.

APCOA's employees are paid an average of £5.50 per hour and are frequently subject to abuse, and sometimes assaults from the parking public. Staff turnover has been running at approximately 600%. Many have left of their own accord, because of the pressures and stress from the public and the bullying by their employer. Others have been dismissed for failing to earn enough money for the company and, indirectly, the Royal Borough.